One of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immersive experiences that resonate with old and new generations of traveler alike.

No visit is complete to Sri Lanka without staying at this majestic hotel, built in 1864 and recently restored back to its former glory.

In Galle

You have access to everything from simple home stays and lodgings through Airbnb to enticing boutique hotels and villas. Most travel sites and blogs will give you a fair idea of the prices and costs. A listing of preferred and recommended accommodation providers is given below:

Festival Hospitality Partner Properties

Jetwing Lighthouse

Located on the main Galle Road, a few minutes away from the Galle Fort, this is an iconic hotel designed by Sri Lanka’s greatest architect Geoffrey Bawa.

It is often a must-see stop on any architectural tour of the area. Exuding an old world charm, elegant and minimalist, the service here is fantastic, with a wide array of facilities and activities available.

Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing

Originally a family home from the Dutch period, entering this villa is to enter a serene world, surrounded by walled courtyards and lush greenery.It contains a stylish blend of modern comforts and classical antiquity located within a living heritage site.

Four lavishly furnished deluxe bedrooms offer every convenience. Comfortable seats and wide open spaces are ideal to rest and relax. A B&B, but regular meals can be arranged at Jetwing Lighthouse.

The Sun House

Once the home of a Scottish spice merchant, this colonial house, built in the 1860’s, has been converted into a small hotel. With 7 highly individual bedrooms, it is well known for fine dining, privacy, eclectic collections of artwork, books and furniture.

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Galle.

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Veranda.

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Pool

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Entry.

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Guest Bathroom.

Galle Literary Festival Partner -The Sun House, Living Room

Guests are transported back to the relaxed life styles of the planters. The frangipani garden leads to the swimming pool, and the mango garden faces the Galle harbour. Idyllic and serene for guests to read, write or sunbathe.

Taprobane Island

Originally built in the 1920’s by Count de Mauny-Talvande, this private island with its neo-Palladian mansion has played host to kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, aristocracy, writers and eccentrics, giving it a very colourful history. The property is 2 ½ acres of tropics.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Taprobane Island

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Taprobane Island Lobby.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Taprobane Island Infinity Pool.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Taprobane Island Guest Room.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Taprobane Island Arial View.

Accommodation is in 5 en-suite bedrooms, with spacious living areas, balconies, verandas, gardens and an infinity pool.

A staff of 5 caters to your every need. A personal chef awaits to provide you with any cuisine.

Festival Silver Partner Properties

Amangalla

Built in 1684, Amangalla is an absolute bastion of Fort history. Serving as accommodation for colonial Dutch commanders, then as the New Oriental Hotel for about 140 years, it’s been owned by the international boutique luxury chain Aman for the past decade.

FGLF Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Galle.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Lobby.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Dining Room.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Poolside.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Guest Suite.

Galle Literary Festival Partner – Amangalla Hotel, Guest Bathroom.

You can expect quiet, old world luxury and impeccable service. The 30 rooms and suites have been restored with care, the hotel’s history brought to life through its antique furnishings and decorations.

Owl and the Pussycat

The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel and Spa, Thalape, Sri Lanka – The Runcible Spoon Restaurant

The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel and Spa, Thalape, Sri Lanka – Poolside

The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel and Spa, Thalape, Sri Lanka – Suite Living Room

The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel and Spa, Thalape, Sri Lanka Poem

This small, luxury hotel at the water’s edge has 16 suites. It is an eclectic and dynamic property with a sense of romance, food and moonlight dancing.

The place is tranquil but social. Every detail is lovingly restored and handcrafted.

‘The Runcible Spoon’ restaurant is set on an elegant dining terrace. A 17 meter garden pool looks out to the ocean. The hotel has a small gym and yoga platform. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner in the Edward Lear drawing room.

Comprising of sixteen separate bedrooms, one of the properties is an old spice warehouse that is now an established boutique hotel with a courtyard restaurant.

The other properties are three renovated Dutch merchant houses. Each of the villas and bedrooms are unique in style and design—varying from luxurious master suites, comfortable queen-size bedrooms, twin bedrooms and family suites.

All properties are a short walk from each other and the restaurant, as well as from other Fort shops, boutiques, and museums.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Located 1hr 30 mins away from Galle and set amidst a coconut plantation along a secluded golden crescent shoreline with glorious Indian Ocean views, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort offers a naturally exclusive hideaway for exotic beach life in a tranquil world of your own.

The resort hosts 152 rooms including pool villas. Practice holistic exercises on the shore as you watch the sunrise and discover the local area by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Relax in paradise at our tropical pool, a refreshing cocktail in hand. Indulge in sensual spa pampering, including specialist Ayurvedic and reflexology treatments.

Festival Accommodation Partner Properties

Fort Bazaar Hotel & Spa (Church Street Social)

This 17th Century town house up-grade is an 18 bedroom renovated hotel, beautifully built around a traditional Galle Fort private courtyard. The hotel boasts the acclaimed Church Street Social Restaurant and Bar, a private cinema, library and Z spa.

Centrally located, it is perfect for guests that are looking to soak up the Fort’s legendary atmosphere. Once a home occupied by spice, tea and gem traders, the Fort Bazaar has undergone an incredible 9-year renovation and is now a hip boutique hotel, restaurant and bar.

Tamarind Hill

A manor house built over 250 years ago by a Sri Lankan aristocrat, this home gained prominence when it became the residence of the British Admiral of the Peninsular and Orient Steam Navigation Company – the famed ‘P&O Line’.

A symbol of nobility, today it is a colonial style small luxury boutique hotel. Ten spacious Crayford Rooms feature a fine selection of colonial furniture. The Admiral & Captain Suites are extravagant. Great collectibles sit in them.

Taru Villas

An award-winning collection of 8 luxury villas.

There are 2 properties inside the Galle Fort on Lighthouse Street and Rampart Street that celebrate history while offering contemporary comforts.

Built in 1800s, the house at 42 Lighthouse Street is classically restored. In its location, design and demeanour, this wonderfully elegant hotel in Galle Fort will let you live and experience the rich colonial history and charm of the island’s most celebrated coastal town.

Ten air-conditioned and very individual suites with breathtaking panoramic views of the palm fringed jungle and the KK Tea Estate, this hotel promise stylish and spacious interiors.

Overlooking the Koggala Lake and the surrounding lush greenery of a working tea estate, this home turned award-winning resort offers a unique wellness escape, with quick access to the Galle Fort as well as the best beaches.

Street By Street Recommendations – Inside the Galle Fort

– CHANDO STREET –

Beatrice House

Set 300 metres from the Dutch Church in Galle, Beatrice House features free Wi-Fi access and free private parking. Some units have a seating area where you can relax. All rooms come with a private bathroom. You will find a shared kitchen at the property.

– CHURCH CROSS STREET –

Araliya Villa

A six-bedroom guesthouse, the spacious rooms are clean and basic with comfortable beds. Facilities include room service, A/C, garden, laundry and lockers. The breakfast is good and the host very helpful. It is a short walk from many sites, restaurants and bars.

– CHURCH STREET –

Sega BnB

This BnB, set in Galle Fort, is 100 metres from the Galle Lighthouse and 400 metres from the Dutch Reformed Church. Rooms include a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Sega BnB features free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Room service is available. The area is popular for cycling and you will find many bikes to hire at this bed and breakfast.

– HOSPITAL STREET –

Thenu Rest Guest House

Featuring a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and parking on site, the Thenu Rest Guest House offers rooms in Galle Fort. The beach is 100 meters away while the Lighthouse is 50 meters away. All rooms include air-conditioning. Each has a bathroom with shower. The restaurant serves local and western cuisine.

– LEYN BAHN CROSS STREET –

Mango House

Mango House is a small boutique hotel in Galle Fort with a large and leafy garden, private balconies and plenty of places to relax. Once a cinnamon factory belonging to Hayleys, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest trading companies, Mango House has been lovingly restored, bridging the best of colonial-era architecture with funky, modern twists.

– LEYN BAHN STREET –

Mama’s Galle Fort

A home-stay in a mid-19th century shop house, it is close to the lighthouse, the ramparts and mosque, and two minutes on foot to the Fort’s own little beach. Has two large and A/C rooms. Has a ground floor dining area, a shaded roof terrace cafe and chill-out space with spectacular views over rooftops to the sea.

– NEW LANE 1 –

Antic Guesthouse

This four-bedroom property complete with stag horns to hang your towels on in the attached bathroom, is one of many reminders of the fort’s colonial past—with its shutters that took the artist Mueen Saheed 1,000-hours to do. Rooms are A/C with flat-screen TV on satellite channels. Ensuite bathrooms.

– LIGHT HOUSE STREET –

Pedlar’s Inn Hostel

Located in the heart of Galle Fort. Guests can choose from 4 rooms, all of which exude a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere. The 2, 3 and 4- bed dorms are bright and airy. The private rooms come with a private veranda/balcony and a comfortable double bed complete with a mosquito net, as well as ensuite bathroom with hot water shower.

Fort Bliss

This newly built, spacious and airy colonial-style four room property overlooks the ramparts. It is tranquil and peaceful, in a convenient and well-secured location, about one km from the Galle town centre. The villa consists of four tastefully furnished rooms and is available for rent on per room basis or in its entirety.

Albert Fort

A boutique hotel offering a terrace and views of the sea, it is situated 300m from Galle Lighthouse. All units feature a seating area for your convenience. The rooms are fitted with private bathrooms. Guests can take a stroll in the lush green garden of the property.

Number 48 Galle Fort

Set in a historic building, one of the fort’s largest houses, Number 48 Galle Fort is a bed and breakfast with four cosy rooms offering four-poster beds and free WiFi. Featuring a large collection of artwork and antiques, the property has its own restaurant.

– MIDDLE STREET –

New Old Dutch House

Featuring traditional Dutch-colonial decor, this down-to-earth hotel inside Galle Fort has straightforward rooms that all offer free Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars, along with a safe. The beds have mosquito nets. Some rooms feature elegant hardwood floors. 24-hour room service is available. There is a laid-back Sri Lankan restaurant with a garden terrace, and bike rentals are available.

– PEDLAR STREET –

Frangipani Motel

Experience the warmth of Sri Lankan family hospitality and quality service. There are plenty of books to read and a place to meditate and people watch in the calm garden that looks out to one of the Fort’s busiest street.

– RAMPART STREET –

Rampart View Guest House

The guest house overlooks the sea and has rooms with a sea view. The view of the sunset and sunrise is unique and the big terrace where guests can sun bathe is what differentiates this guest house. Registered and approved by the Home Stay Guest House of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. (Free from alcohol).

Sea Green Guest House

Has 6 double rooms. Each room has A/C or fan, free Wi-Fi and an attached private bathroom with hot water. The five whitewashed rooms feature colourful Indian textiles and rainwater showers. Some rooms are fan-only while others have excellent ocean views.

Recommendations – Hikkaduwa

Aditiya Resort

This bright beachfront resort is located 13km from the Galle Fort.

Decorated with regional art and antiques, the 12 posh, airy suites come with flat-screen TVs and minibars. They also have furnished verandas, and private plunge pools or whirlpool baths. Some offer loft bedrooms or sea views. In-room massages are available.

Recommendations – Unawatuna

Pedlar’s Manor

This spacious 4-bedroom luxury villa is designed in a colonial Dutch style and has a private swimming pool. With high ceilings and antique furniture and decor, each individually-designed room offers views of the rice fields and tropical surroundings. It is a 10-minute drive from Unawatuna Beach and the Galle Fort.

Kingfisher Hotel

A hotel and restaurant beautifully located on Unawatuna Beach, it consists of four deluxe bedrooms. Each room consists of a king-sized bed covered with crisp cotton sheets on comfortable mattresses. Bathrooms are finished in polished cement, granite tiled floors and huge mirrors. Windows of both bedrooms and bathrooms open onto ocean and jungle views.

Bedspace

Offers authentic eats and sleeps on the south coast. The original garden guesthouse is close to the beach but away from noise. It is full of great people and good times. The newer beach side guesthouse is ready for party people.

Recommendations – The Talape Riviera

Wijaya

A family-owned establishment since 1980. This B&B beach accommodation is set around a courtyard behind the restaurant. Popular with the local expat community, visitors return for the food, cocktails, stunning beach and relaxed ambience. The protective reef ensures safe swimming.

Thalpe Bungalows

Located 500m from Thalpe beach and a short ride from Unawatuna. This establishment has 3 luxury bungalows in a garden setting around an inviting pool. Each bungalow has a lounge, kitchenette, bedroom and ensuite bath, as well as a large veranda.

Recommendations – Dickwella

Salt House

Here, connect with nature through open air showers, a rooftop lounge bar and a pristine beach. The six bedroom property has three ground floor rooms with air conditioning and three top floor open air rooms with mosquito nets on king size beds. Every room has an open air private bathroom and lounge area for relaxation.

Recommendations – Mirissa

Mirissa Eye Beach Hotel & Restaurant

A guest house, which also has one of the better beach-side restaurants in the area. There are eight rooms with attached bathrooms. One of which has a beach view and a private balcony. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Recommendations – Welligama

Cape Weligama

This Relais & Chateaux Resort balanced on bay cliffs, Cape Weligama is a luxury hotel. Designed by Thai architect Lek Bunnag, the collection of villas sits atop the cliffs on 12 manicured acres. It is thirty minutes east of Galle.

Recommendationss – Tangalle

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Situated on a rocky outcrop, along a secluded stretch of coastline, the resort sits amidst a coconut plantation. It has 152 rooms and pool villas, an international all-day-dining restaurant, Italian restaurant, local Teppanyaki restaurant, excellent wine cellar, high tea lounge, cooking classes, poolside bar, and sports and spa facilities.